a-gax36-28001← Collection
images
Spiral galaxy NGC 3628 in Leo
- Reference
- a-gax36-28001
- Date
- 2006-09-15
This picture has been specially enhanced to reveal NGC 3628, which is seen as an edge-on spiral galaxy, crossed by a dust lane. Galaxies seen edge-on are rare, but this example has other peculiarities. The dust lane is distinctly askew and the ends of the spiral arms are obviously puffed out, with evidence of star formation. The bright bulge of the galaxy also has an unusual 'peanut' shape. This suggests that the galaxies of the Leo group are interacting, gradually pulling each other apart as they orbit each other. Image obtained with the 3.9m telescope of Siding Spring.
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